Fantasy Football: Early Ranking of Top 20 Running Backs for 2014-2015

Fantasy football never ends. You can never be too prepared for your draft, so here's a ranking of the top 20 running backs for 2014 to get you started.

First, let's look at some running backs who failed to make the cut.

As recently reported by Roy Cummings of The Tampa Tribune, Buccaneers offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford does not want to rely heavily on a single back. That's bad news for Doug Martin, whose stock was already dropping after a weak showing in the first six games of the 2013 season, not to mention his shoulder injury.

Arian Foster is coming off back surgery, and it looks like the immense number of touches he has had since 2010 has taken its toll. Foster will be 28 before the 2014 season begins and is a very risky proposition.

Fred Jackson has surprisingly not hit the proverbial wall yet but will turn 33 in February, and the wall is close.

Depending on their landing spots, Ohio State's Carlos Hyde and Auburn's Tre Mason are two rookies that can make an instant fantasy impact.

20. Maurice Jones-Drew

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Maurice Jones-Drew will be a 29-year-old free agent, who averaged a sickly 3.4 yards per carry in 2013. Despite a down year on a putrid Jacksonville offense, Jones-Drew managed 1,117 yards from scrimmage.

Jones-Drew is only two years removed from a campaign in which he had 1,980 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. If the UCLA product lands in the right situation, he may prove that he is being dismissed way too early in fantasy circles.

19. C.J. Spiller

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C.J. Spiller was a 2013 bust but can be a steal in 2014. The common misconception is that Spiller had less of a role in Buffalo's offense in 2013 after a breakthrough 2012. The truth is that the Clemson standout only had five more carries and 10 more receptions in 2012. The difference was that Spiller averaged an eye-opening 6.0 yards per carry and 10.7 yards per reception in his career year.

Fred Jackson is still in the way, but Spiller is too talented to miss the top 20.

18. LeGarrette Blount

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LeGarrette Blount will be a free agent at the end of the season, but the New England Patriots will likely make a play to keep the breakout back. The fantasy world took notice when Blount steamrolled the Indianapolis Colts with 166 rushing yards and four touchdowns during the AFC Divisional Round.

With Stevan Ridley's fumble problems and Shane Vereen serving more as a receiving threat, Blount could be the Patriots' feature back in 2014.

14. Giovani Bernard

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In his rookie season, Giovani Bernard had 1,209 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. His value was increased in point-per-reception leagues because of his 56 receptions. The potential for more is there, but will the Cincinnati Bengals increase his workload?

BenJarvus Green-Ellis was clearly less productive in 2013, but there is no guarantee that his role will be diminished in Bernard's favor.

Stacy continued to find holes and crash through defenses even after Sam Bradford had a season-ending injury. The potential for a monster season is there, but can Stacy stay healthy for an entire season with his punishing brand of football?

While Morris can easily be a top-10 running back, the uncertainty of Robert Griffin III's health and desire to leave the pocket hurt his value. If RGIII chooses to remain in the pocket in 2014, the Washington offense will sputter.

Rice will be only 27 come the start of the 2014 season, and we have to give him the benefit of the doubt. While Rice's 2013 may be an aberration, it may also signal the beginning of the end for the Rutgers product, as there is a lot of wear and tear on his legs.

10. Reggie Bush

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Reggie Bush was everything fantasy owners envisioned in 2013. A versatile back in a high-octane offense resulted in 1,512 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns in 14 games. Bush will build on his 54 receptions as a result of his increased chemistry with Matthew Stafford.

Bush's size will always make him susceptible to injury, but he will continue to be an underrated fantasy star.

8. Le'Veon Bell

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In his rookie campaign, Le'Veon Bell gained 1,259 yards from scrimmage and scored eight touchdowns in only 13 games. The bad news is that he averaged only 3.5 yards per carry, which is reminiscent of Trent Richardson's rookie season.

Bell is definitely more versatile than Richardson, making 45 receptions, and Pittsburgh's offensive line was among the worst in the league. Also in Bell's favor, Pittsburgh loves to run.

5. Marshawn Lynch

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Marshawn Lynch turned on the beast mode to the tune of 1,573 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns. Lynch was supported by a very good offensive line and, more importantly, the league's top defense. Seattle was first in the league in points allowed (14.4), giving Lynch the opportunity to run excessively, often to burn the clock.

Lynch is turning 28, and one has to wonder how much longer he has with his physical running style. As of now, he is more likely to find continued success in 2014.

3. Adrian Peterson

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There is no doubt Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the NFL. The question is whether the Minnesota Vikings can find an adequate quarterback.

Constantly going up against creeping safeties, Peterson still mustered 1,437 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. Peterson will turn 29 before the start of the 2014 campaign, and injuries are starting to become a serious issue for him. Still, no one will laugh if Peterson is drafted first overall.